"You see how much confidence I have in you. I have no doubt that you will deliver it all faithfully."
All the huntsman's jolly good humor seemed damped, but he restrained his anger, and only pressed his lips tightly together.
Roland helped carry the bundles to a cart which was waiting before the house, Sonnenkamp wanted to prevent him, but the Mother made him a sign to let him do it. With the last package, Fräulein Milch disappeared.
In the emptied room Sonnenkamp told the Professorin of his plan of removing to the capital, and begged her to accompany the family.
Gratefully, but most positively, the Professorin declined; and Sonnenkamp had some trouble in hiding his vexation, when he found that no persuasions could change her decision. He took leave politely, but out of humor, and Roland promised to leave Griffin with her as a guard.
The Professorin felt that the boy wanted to be doing something for her while he was away, and to sacrifice for her something which he cared for.
"Life will go well with you." she said, as she pressed his hand.
Roland felt a thrill through his whole being; he had received one of the holiest of blessings, though it was given in such simple words.
The Professorin had promised to come that evening to the villa, where they were all to watch out the old year.
When she came, she found great black chests in the hall; in Frau Ceres' parlor all the chairs were covered with clothes, and Frau Ceres was as happy as a child, directing everything with an activity never seen in her before. At last they all repaired to the dining-room and sat down to tea.